Weird enclosure drilling needed.

[a.train77]

Hey guys, I'm new to pedal building,but I just finished 4 mesa foot switch circuits, and I'm planning on putting them in one enclosure. It's going to have 4 switches, 4 LEDs, and 4 output jacks. Now, I want it in a looper style enclosure, but would drilling it myself be an option? Or is there somewhere where I can request the drillings like that? Thanks!

[PRR]

> would drilling it myself be an option?

This is a D*I*Y forum. You want we should say "no"?

Drilling is easier than most other aspects of pedal-work. Couple dozen dollar power drill, bits, block of wood, and a small punch or large nail. The power-drill ain't free but you can also use it to hang heavy pictures, make bird-houses, screw long/tight screws. I have six and sometimes I get stuff done, all kinds of stuff. (Draining a leaky flooded trunk.)

Drilling WELL takes some practice. The drill wanders off-center. It drills oval. When it gets 99% through it grabs and spins. Spinning sheetmetal is *dangerous*. So start small, drill some plastic toys and then some tin cans, before you whack into some shiny box.

[Perrow]

Get clamps to hold whatever it is you're drilling down (walls excluded in case you're hanging a picture).

Often it's a good idea to drill a smaller "pilot" hole to guide the larger drill for the final size.

[Ofek Deitch]

I don't even have to buy a drill! I just take my enclosures to my school and drill it at our workshop.
Be sure to make drilling templates though, makes everything much easier!

Ofek

[deadastronaut]

Often it's a good idea to drill a smaller "pilot" hole to guide the larger drill for the final size.

yes, yes , and most importantly yes....ALWAYS.

[Perrow]

Often it's a good idea to drill a smaller "pilot" hole to guide the larger drill for the final size.

yes, yes , and most importantly yes....ALWAYS.

I don't do this when I drill for 3mm leds In fact I drill them at 3.5mm directly. Will change that to 3mm if I start etching enclosures.

Drilling templates only if you want things to be where you want them to be.

[deadastronaut]

3mm leds:  i drill 2mm then use my best tool...the 'reamer'' couldn't get by without it now..

very handy tool for 'odd sizes' etc.....and odd people too..


@atrain:  measure your box, plan it out in a graphics programme,  print, stick to top of the box, ''centre punch'' (always)

then drill small holes...

heres a pdf of components (actual size) to use in your planning/layout ok...very handy

click download document in the top left..
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/pedal_vectorpack.pdf.html

[Perrow]

Print the hole sizes needed on the drill template, then you'll have them right next to you when you're drilling.

After you've center punched remove the template before drilling. You can reuse the template.

Also print the project name on template and make notes on it afterwords about any issues or lack thereof.

[merlinb]

3mm leds:  i drill 2mm then use my best tool...the 'reamer'' couldn't get by without it now..

I assume you mean a tapered reamer, rather than a straight one?

[deadastronaut]

yep that's the one...^

one of my fav tools..

[Perrow]

Mine attaches to my cordless power drill.



Perfect for holes larger than what my power drill accepts in drill bits.

[GGBB]

Two things make enclosure drilling much much easier - a stepped drill bit and a drill press.

[therecordingart]

If you are in the states you'll spend $80 on a spring loaded center punch, a drill press, and a set of three step bits at Harbor Freight. Mine have lasted about 12 years so far and still going strong. Best $80 spent.

[duck_arse]

you can take, a.train, your box (how clumsy was that?) to your local I dunno what, motor mechanic? machine shop? what's a workshop with engineers in it called? somewhere with a drill dress and some drill bits and a bloke wearing greasy overalls. they will ask you a million questions about the size and placement of each hole, and if you don't know any of the answers, you'll get the wrong holes. and they will ask you for money, probably.

[digi2t]

Drilling enclosures.... hmmm....

My first fav tool...



My second (and third, it`s a tie really)...



Or, for those days that I`m feeling really anal...



Next fav...



After that (just a fractional kit works fine too. I got one like this on sale)...



or if you`re in a hurry...



Of course, safety first, so, for the fingers...



and for the eyes (I wear glasses, many non-geeky styles available) ...



And, for the finishing touch (optional really, bigger bit by hand works too)...



Now, I realize that what I`ve shown above might be financially out of reach for some, but at some point, ask yourself, «How much is my work (not least of all!) and my fingers worth to me?». Everything I`ve shown sees regular use for a variety of projects and chores around my place. I consider them an investment, and not just an expense. They are all tools that most diyer`s will use on a regular basis, and not just for drilling enclosures.

In the end, the old mantra applies. Do it right, do it once. Or, as my old man used to tell me, «Son... if you`re working so hard, then obviously, you`ve got the wrong tool».

[duck_arse]

---- all those drills ------

did your old man ever say "when yr only tool  is a hammer, pretty soon every problem looks like a nail"?

[a.train77]

So I talked to one of the applied tech people at my school and they said they would help me drill it. Thanks for the advice guys!

[digi2t]

---- all those drills ------

did your old man ever say "when yr only tool  is a hammer, pretty soon every problem looks like a nail"?

And to answer your question. No. Then again, he was a career machinist / mechanic, and I grew up being his go-fer. Apple didn`t fall far from that tree.

[Govmnt_Lacky]

My tools for drilling...

- Metal ruler (metric and standard)
- Dewalt 18V hand held drill
- Step drill bit
- Center snap punch

SIMPLE...... EASY..... DONE! 

[moosapotamus]

---- all those drills ------

did your old man ever say "when yr only tool  is a hammer, pretty soon every problem looks like a nail"?

And to answer your question. No. Then again, he was a career machinist / mechanic, and I grew up being his go-fer. Apple didn`t fall far from that tree.

Mine said, "There is a proper tool for every job, and that tool is a hammer."